The text, which is a doctoral thesis from the University of Lucerne by Ramona Pedretti, is all about when world leaders and government officials can and can’t be tried in foreign courts.

The ICC issued a warrant for Muammar Gaddafi’s arrest before his death (Picture: PA)

Considering the library is mostly used by national delegations from around the world and professional Secretariat staff of the UN, it’s a bit disturbing that the most checked-out book is about how heads of state can be immune from war crimes.

Its popularity is not that much of a surprise, though, considering that so many delegates represent violent dictatorships.

Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir was indicted for war crimes (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)

For example, Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir was actually indicted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court in 2009.

Pedretti suggests that while heads of state are generally immune from being charged in foreign courts, this immunity may be removed if they are tried at international tribunals.

Fascinating stuff – especially for people worried about being hauled off to the Hague.